How To Do A Placement Advent Calendar

The word "advent" originates from a Latin word meaning "arrival." Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with a folksy Advent calendar created from a repurposed placemat. Fill the darling pockets with candies, notes or other special treats.

Fabrics and Embellishments:

• Purchased placemat
• Wool Felt (National Nonwovens): Oatmeal and Cottage Red.
• Six-strand Embroidery Floss (DMC): Ecru; Garnet (816).
• Wooden Circles, 1", 24.
• Rusted tin stars, 2", 12.
• Americana Water-based Stain (DecoArt): Chestnut.
• Artificial christmas greenery
• Glitter bird
• Melissa Frances Pale Blue Blank Hanger (Heart and Home)
• Red Gingham ribbon, 7/8", 12" length.

Tools and Supplies:

• Bird Branch Alphabet stamps (Hero Arts)
• Black Pigment ink
• Foam brush
• Lite Steam a Seam (The Warm Co.)
• Embroidery needle
• Aleene's Original Tacky Glue (Duncan)
• Iron and pressing board.

1. Cut 44 2" squares from Oatmeal felt. Follow manufacturer's instructions to fuse Cottage Red felt webbing. Cut 12 1 1/2" circles from fused felt. Fuse circles to twelve Oatmeal squares.

2. Use three strands of Ecru floss to blanket stitch edges of red circles to Oatmeal squares. Layer two Oatmeal squares together and blanket stitch edges with three strands of Ecru or Garnet embroidery floss for 24 pockets. Position pockets on a placemat and glue in place.

3. Apply stain to wooden circles. Wipe with paper towels until desired stain is achieved. Stamp numbers 1 through 24 on small circles. Glue wooden circles to rusted tin stars and red felt circles, alternating between numbers.

4. Embellish pacemat as desired with small pieces of greenery and silk flowers. Vut two 6" lengths from ribbon. Fold lengths and sew ends to back of placemat with floss and needle. Place loops onto a hanger.